Unfortunately it was over too soon. It was rather a short set - no new songs, no DCHTS and no encore. Iain did say that they thought it would be inappropriate to play DCHTS in front of a predominantly German audience!!  The whole Festival was run with precision timing and NO-ONE was late on or off - typical German efficiency - shame they didn't apply it to the advertising and sign-posting side of things.

Afterward there was what the Germans call a "Meet und Greet" session, where members of the various bands come out and sign autographs.  The Dels were scheduled to appear for 4.30 and wee waited eagerly until someone came out and said the band were tired and would come out an hour later - giving us time for a quick Bratwurst and lots of lemonade.

It was so hot, and the Meet Und Greet area was actually a couple of sofas in the back of a van - facing straight into the sun.  As Iain approached he was heard to declare only half jokingly "I'm not getting in that f***king thing", but he and Justin did - they're professionals after all.  When we asked we were told the others were watching the football, and it's my guess that it was half time and that was why they put the session back!  They were in good spirits but incredibly hot - sweat pouring down.  Justin had changed into a t-shirt and shorts which was a good job - it was NOT leather trews weather!  Justin's legs were somewhat of a disappointment for Libby. But, as Libby says anyone would look terrible whilst wearing blue cord shorts!  We definitely prefer the leather trousers .......


 


They both seemed pleased that we'd come over especially  to see them. Libby got her Twisted T-shirt signed and we both got our programs autographed.  I showed them my Pepsi Chart show photos and we posed for a few more.  I told them that my 3 year old son knows all the works to Waking Hours and they laughed - Justin wasn't sure that was such a good idea, considering the content of some of his songs!  and I got accused of indoctrination:-)

We told them how pleased we were to hear High Times and how much so many of us love it.  Iain said they always wanted to release it as a single but A&M wouldn't have it.  I am sure it would have been a great hit, but there you are .....

Justin asked if we were going to the other festival the following day, and we would have loved to have done so - but after realising that it would be five hours by train each way to see 45 minutes - and then we wouldn't be back in time to beat the 11 pm flight curfew - we had to say no.  I had to get back so my husband could go to work and I could get the kids to school.

We discussed further things and I mentioned that we were looking forward to having a launch party for Singles, but we decided to have a Dels Bar-B-Que instead.

Eventually the heat got too much for them and they retired to the bus to watch the rest of the football.

Now it's all over until the autumn - and we're already anticipating which venues they will be playing and how to get to them!!  Roll on November!

The following day we took in a leisurely bus and boat tour of Hamburg to see the "interesting" sights of Hamburg! It is definitely a place of contrasts - from the millionaires houses around the lake to the Reeperbahn (see the Vox article from last year for some more ideas of this!!).However, the one thing that made us laugh was going for a walk near the hotel and finding a street full of "adult" shops. All I can say is that Mattell may need to start legal proceedings against a shop which had a window display of S&M Barbie and Ken........ Barbie in leathers in a hanging cage, Barbie in a rubber dress with peephole bra and painted nipples.

All too soon it was time to say our sad goodbyes to Graham, with a promise that he's come over and see the Dels (and ME of course!)in November, and then we were coming home too soon on that stupid plane...

It was a really unforgettable weekend though.  Now how do I convince my darling husband I need to go to Spain ....... and Denmark .......


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